British police have arrested at least 139 supporters of Palestine Action following protests across London and Edinburgh, just days ahead of a decisive Supreme Court appeal challenging the government's contentious proscription of the group.
London's Metropolitan Police began detaining demonstrators shortly after hundreds initiated a lunchtime "mass action" outside the United States Embassy.
The force confirmed in an evening bulletin that officers were "continuing to make arrests", noting that 139 individuals had already been taken into custody.
More than 4,000 people have been arrested on suspicion of showing support for Palestine Action since the government outlawed the network under counter-terrorism legislation in July 2025.
Many detainees, including senior citizens and Holocaust survivors, have held placards declaring: "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
Supreme Court challenge
Protest organisers Defend Our Juries condemned the enforcement, stating: "It is truly dystopian that there have now been over 4,000 arrests under terror laws for peaceful vigils."
The ban blacklists Palestine Action, rendering membership or expressions of support a criminal offence carrying up to 14 years' imprisonment.
The group's co-founder Huda Ammori has mounted a legal challenge against the proscription, branding it disproportionate and an infringement on human rights.
The Supreme Court will convene a two-day hearing on Wednesday, following a June Court of Appeal ruling supporting the government.
Demonstrators in London carried banners asking: "How is trying to stop a genocide a crime?" and affirming: "We are protesters, not terrorists."
Established in 2020 to halt "global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime", Palestine Action primarily targets UK-based defence suppliers, notably Elbit Systems.
